Coca-Cola India and Gram Unnati launch 'Project Mango Unnati' to promote sustainable mango cultivation in Karnataka

Coca-Cola India, in collaboration with Gram Unnati, announces the launch of 'Project Mango Unnati', with an aim to revolutionize sustainable mango cultivation initiative, focusing on the Alphonso and Totapuri varieties in Karnataka.

Left-Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director- CSR & Sustainability for Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia with Aneesh Jain, Founder & CEO, Gram UnnatiPhoto - Coca-Cola

Project Unnati will collaborate closely with state horticulture agencies such as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), the Mango Board, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), and various horticulture departments across different districts.

Commenting on the launch of the project, Aneesh Jain, chief executive officer and founder, Gram Unnati, said, ″Gram Unnati is proud to partner with Coca-Cola India on this transformative project that underscores our commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. By adopting modern practices and focusing on quality, we aim to significantly enhance the livelihoods of mango farmers in Karnataka. Together, we will drive sustainable growth and innovation in mango farming, benefiting farmers and the environment alike."

″Farmers are the backbone of India’s horticulture system. With Project Mango Unnati, we aim to elevate the livelihoods of these farmers with advanced horticulture solutions, empowering them to significantly increase their incomes. This aligns with the Government of India’s vision for Atma Nirbhar Bharat, making the agrarian economy self-reliant″, said, Rajesh Ayapilla, senior director- CSR and Sustainability for Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia.

Project Mango Unnati will promote ‘Sustainable Agricultural Practices’ to enhance mango yields and farmer incomes by improving the quality, size, and shelf life of the fruit. This would help farmers achieve better market prices. The project will also demonstrate and facilitate the adoption of rejuvenation techniques for old and senile orchards and high-density plantation (HDP) practices.

Project Mango Unnati will also emphasize sustainable agriculture through micro irrigation, integrated pest management (IPM), and water conservation techniques such as mulching and rainwater harvesting. Through this initiative farmers will receive training in safe and modern agricultural practices to ensure sustainable farming.

The project will provide crop advisory services, including climate forecasting and crop alert systems, to equip farmers with climate-smart techniques besides enhancing the traceability and sustainability of the crop that will help farmers achieve better returns for their produce. Special training modules have been designed to empower female farmers, promoting gender equality in the agricultural sector.